Why would you want to read the ingredients?
Here are 3 good reasons:
You have the power to make informed choices regarding your health.
You can save money.
You can avoid unnecessary illness and disease.
You’ve Got the Power!
Reading the ingredient list on packaged foods means that you know what foods are going in to your body. You know if this sauce has 17 ingredients, half of which you are unable to pronounce or if there are only 4 ingredients that are all organic and are foods that you may already have in your fridge at home. You can decide what is right for you.
You can educate yourself on the ingredients that are harmful food additives, such as MSG and it’s various disguises. You can learn about the different ways that foods are processed such as pasteurization, adding preservatives and colours, and irradiation. You can understand that there are many ingredients not even required to be listed on the products that you buy and you can choose whether or not this is ok for you and your family. Seriously, you need to take the time to do this. You have control over what you will and will not buy and the ability to understand why.
Money, Money, Money
I am occasionally pressured by my children to purchase a packaged food that I would not normally buy or even eat. Fortunately, I read the ingredients on the box and very quickly, it is easy for me to put it back on the shelf and say, “No worries kids, we can totally make this at home!” Yes it will take a bit more time and energy but it will be worth it. You can do this too! You can prepare lots of healthy snacks and foods together with your children or your partner or your friends. It can be an activity that you do together. Think of the quality time and the quality ingredients that will strengthen your body and your relationship. You may save money on the ingredients themselves but more importantly you will save on money spent on repairing your health later.
Preventing Unnecessary Illness
When you are in the grocery store and have the urge to choose a ready-made product, I encourage you to carefully read all of the ingredients on the package. If there is something on the list that you are not familiar with, put it back, go home and do a little research. It is too easy for companies to make ‘food’ that isn’t up to standards and label it ‘Natural’ or ‘Organic’ or other labels that are false. I know that there are other factors, besides the food that you eat, that can affect whether or not you become ill but plan to do everything that you can to ensure that what you put in to your body is what will help it perform at it’s best and serve you well. You can make choices. It may not always be easy. You may need to educate your loved ones regarding your choices. At the end of the day, it is your body and you know it best. You know how to take care of yourself.
Prevention is the Best Medicine
Ultimately, I want you to know that what you decide to eat is entirely up to you. What I know to be true is that the more you choose whole foods in their natural state, the better things are for your body; the better it will perform; the better it will heal. Whole foods means fresh produce, sprouts, nuts, seeds, grains, beans. It means preparing simple foods and boosting the flavour with herbs and spices from your garden or from a reputable source.
I will continue to provide you with helpful information and simple recipes so that together we can make it easier to be healthy and vibrant all the time!
Here are some simple recipes to get you started.
Thanks for reading!